Conduct of Government Policy in relation to the war in Iraq and its aftermathThat this House will establish a select committee of seven honourable Members, being members of Her Majesty’s Privy Council, to review the way in which the responsibilities of Government were discharged in relation to Iraq and all matters relevant thereto, in the period leading up to military action in that country in March 2003 and in its aftermath.

If the Liberals abstain or vote against then they look like hypocrites for voting against a motion many have signed as an EDM. If the Conservatives seize the opportunity to pull a rabbit out the hat and vote for it, the number of Labour rebels might tip the balance against the government.

The Tories would not be voting against the war, but for scrutiny of the policy and the lead up to the military action. Claire Short is expected to speak in the debate (as an independent), the Labour backbenchers who feel they were hoodwinked into supporting the invasion may well vote for the establishment of a Select Committee. It would be illogical for supporters of John McDonnell not to vote with the SNP…